Lauren Huggard

Lauren (she/her) is a Registered Art Therapist working at Yellow Gum Art Therapy Studio on Fridays and is available for outreach. Lauren works with children aged 5-12 years old and adults.

Lauren is passionate about the transformative power of the arts in bringing therapeutic change without the need of words and shares personal experiences with this. As an Art Therapist, Lauren loves supporting individuals to express themselves through art, bringing their inner worlds into focus to process and regulate emotions, and promote healing.

Lauren maintains a strong belief that every individual is the expert of their own story, honouring the inherent wisdom that clients bring to the therapeutic relationship. She has a gentle and calm presence and is deeply attuned to the emotions of those she works alongside. She holds the therapeutic space with sensitivity and a willingness to adapt to the preferred art modalities of her clients. Lauren works in client-centred, trauma-informed ways, acknowledging the prevalence of trauma and its impacts.

During her studies, Lauren completed a workplace practicum at an Early Learning Centre, where she worked with both the three and four-year-old kinder classes. Throughout her placement, Lauren worked with children individually and in groups to support their emotional regulation and wellbeing. In addition to her therapeutic work, Lauren is the co-founder of an independent theatre company, where she has played a significant leadership and administrative role in shaping the company’s direction. Lauren continues to be involved with the company; she writes, directs, and performs in the company’s verbatim theatre productions and is deeply passionate about this medium, valuing its ability to bring real-life stories to the stage.

Qualifications held:

• Professional member of ANZACATA

• Masters of Therapeutic Arts Practice, MIECAT, 2021-2024

• Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, Victoria University, 2023

• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama), Deakin University, 2016-2019